Cape Town — Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested a 29-year-old traditional leader who was seen assaulting an elderly woman in Xhora, Eastern Cape.
In a video that circulated on social media, the incident occurred on Wednesday at the Ngqakayi location in Elliotdale. In the video, the man is seen standing in front of the woman and seemingly berating her before he slaps her and shoves her around.
The video cuts to show the man pulling the woman to the ground while another woman tries to stop the violence.
WARNING: CONTAINS SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Eastern Cape police have traced this 29-year-old suspect. He is arrested and currently in police custody. He is expected to appear before the Elliotdale Magistrates Court on Monday, 03 February 2025 on an assault charge. pic.twitter.com/0xWYIWFl6D
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) January 31, 2025
According to TimesLIVE, Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokzai Mawisa said a case of assault was opened for investigation at Ellitdale police station and the suspect is set to make his first appearance at the Elliotdale Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The incident sparked outrage as many have condemned the gender-based violence (GBV) shown towards elderly citizens. Eastern Cape social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta condemned the alleged “brutal beating of elderly women” at the hands of a traditional leader.
“Elderly individuals deserve our respect, care and protection. Violence against any person, especially those who are most vulnerable, undermines the very fabric of our society and goes against the principles of dignity and human rights we strive to uphold,” she said.
The Eastern Cape Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA Women’s Wing (ECCWW) said it was an act of violence that showcases the pain and struggle women face in their everyday lives.
Chief Bangisizwe Ndabele Mtoto, spokesperson of the Nqadu Great Place, said the alleged actions depicted in the video are in stark contrast to the values of respect, dignity and integrity that are at the core of their heritage.
“As a kingdom, we prioritise the well-being and safety of all community members, particularly the vulnerable, including women, children and the elderly. We emphasise abuse against women will not be tolerated in our kingdom,” said Mtoto.
[WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT] A disturbing video of a traditional leader assaulting two women in Elliotdale, Eastern Cape, has sparked outrage on social media. The footage shows an elderly woman being brutally beaten, while another is attacked for intervening. Police have arrested… pic.twitter.com/tXtfPmgpe0
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 31, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
